Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any season. Combining the rich flavors of beef, vegetables, and rice, this soup is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. The soup is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal for both families and solo diners.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 head cabbage, cut into 8 wedges and sliced thickly
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (8 ounces), not drained
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until crumbled. Drain the excess fat and set the ground beef aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add two tablespoons of butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes tender. Remove the onion and set it aside with the ground beef.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot, along with the sliced cabbage. Cook until the cabbage is tender and starts to wilt.
- Return the ground beef and onion to the pot with the cabbage.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chopped tomatoes (with their juice), and Italian seasoning to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, add the cooked rice to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Health Benefits: Stuffed Cabbage Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The cabbage in the soup is a great source of Vitamin K and Vitamin C, essential for bone health and immunity. The beef adds protein, making the soup a balanced meal. Additionally, the use of tomatoes provides lycopene, an antioxidant known for its health benefits.
Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a green salad. For a low-carb alternative, you can omit the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian? Replace the beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Can this soup be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the soup without the rice. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you ensure that the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, this soup can be gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a fantastic dish that brings the essence of comfort food to your table. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs and preferences. This soup is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create a meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.